No stock: India runs out of fuel

New Delhi, Jan.9: India is running out of fuel with people rushing to petrol bunks in panic over the agitation by employees of oil corporations and the truckers" strike. Even Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supplies may run dry soon due to the indefinite nationwide strike by oil public sector unit (PSU) officers which continues for the third day on Friday, Jan 9.

The strike has hit petrol bunks across the country with many putting up boards saying 'no stock'. People in the city and across India were seen queuing up to fill up their tanks to ensure they have enough petrol to last them for the next few days. Some petrol bunks have exhausted their petrol supplies and have only diesel left.

Many were seen on the streets with a bottle asking for petrol from fellow commuters.
Meeting between the striking members of the oil PSU and the Petroleum Ministry including Petroleum Minister Murli Deora ended without any conclusion early on Friday morning. , Jan 9.

"We regret the inconvenience caused to the public. We are trying to resolve the issues with the Oil Sector Officers' Association (OSOA). I have not made it a prestige issue and I am willing to talk to anyone towards resolving the crisis," Deora said.

In Delhi over 85 per cent of the pumps went without petrol and diesel, while in Mumbai, nearly 60 per cent outlets had put on the board 'no stock' Deora is likely to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday afternoon, Jan 9 on the issue after a meeting of the Union Cabinet in the morning. Flights have also been affected due to shortage of fuel.

OneIndia News (With inputs from Agencies)